Publications Specialist (ACPE)

Job Description

If you are a creative, analytical communicator who excels at transforming complex data and information into clear, compelling visual publications, bring your talents to a role where thoughtful design makes information matter! At ACPE, design and public service come together to create high-quality publications that inform decision-making and engage Alaskans. From analyzing data and developing meaningful visualizations to managing complex publication projects from concept through final production, you will use your expertise to turn information into accessible, engaging, and impactful print and digital communications.

Position Summary:

The Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE) is seeking a Publications Specialist with expertise in Adobe InDesign to join our collaborative team of professionals with diverse areas of expertise in Program Management. This position serves as ACPE’s lead publication design professional and is responsible for the project management, design, development, and production of major agency publications and other print and digital communications. Working with agency staff, senior leadership, and external partners, the Publications Specialist manages publication projects from initial planning and content development through visual design, review, and final production, ensuring finished products are accurate, accessible, visually compelling, and consistent with agency standards.

This position combines publication design expertise with data analysis and data visualization to communicate complex education and workforce information to a broad range of audiences. The Publication Specialist analyzes and interprets data, develops charts, maps, infographics, and other visualizations, and determines how to present information most effectively through thoughtful layout and design. The position plays a primary role in producing high-profile agency publications used by policymakers, education stakeholders, agency leadership, and the public to better understand postsecondary education access, outcomes, and trends in Alaska.

Why Join Our Team:

Mission:

ACPE provides sustainable solutions for college, career, and technical training. We are a collaborative team that supports one another.  We actively support and model ACPE’s values:

Service, Innovation, Empowerment, Quality, and Accountability

.

For more information about ACPE, our mission, and our services, visit our website at:

http://acpe.alaska.gov

Culture:

We value continuous learning and growth. ACPE is the State’s postsecondary education agency, promoting access to, and success in, education and career training after high school.   We are Alaska’s trusted higher education agency; our purpose is to serve Alaskans.  We operate with integrity in everything we do.

Professional Growth:

We support training for employees and have opportunities for upward mobility. ACPE seeks engaged candidates who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills. We are committed to providing the training and support needed for the right candidate to succeed.

Office Location:

This position is located in Juneau or Anchorage. ACPE’s Juneau office is located in the Vintage Business Park area of Mendenhall Valley, and our Anchorage office is located on Bragaw Street near Northern Lights.  Both locations are conveniently close to public transportation and have ample parking available.

Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule

: This position offers a flexible/hybrid work schedule. However, during the probationary period, employees are required to work full-time, in person, at the Anchorage or Juneau office, Monday through Friday. For more information, please review the State of Alaska

Telework Policy.

Upon successfully completing the probationary period, employees become eligible to telework from Juneau or Anchorage, AK. Employees may telework up to four days per week and work in-person at the Juneau or Anchorage office one day per week. Currently, all staff work in-office on Wednesday; this schedule may change based on agency needs, operational needs, special projects, meetings, or other job responsibilities that may require employees to work in the office more frequently. Employees should be prepared to report to the office as needed.

Benefits:

As a State of Alaska employee, you may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package. Actual benefits vary based on bargaining unit, position type, and full – or part-time status.

For complete information about insurance, retirement, and leave benefits, visit the

State of Alaska Division of Retirement and Benefits

website.

Insurance Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions

• Employer-paid Basic Life Insurance (additional optional coverage may be available)

• Optional insurance plans, including long- and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), long-term care, and supplemental survivor benefits

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for eligible health care or dependent care expenses

Retirement Benefits:

• Membership in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) or Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), as applicable

• Employer contributions to defined benefit or defined contribution retirement plans, depending on date of hire

• Contributions to the Alaska Supplemental Annuity in lieu of Social Security

• Optional participation in the Alaska Deferred Compensation Program

Paid Leave and Other Benefits:

• Personal leave that increases with years of service

• Twelve paid State holidays each year

What You’ll Do:

Research, write, edit, design, and produce content for a broad range of routine to complex print and digital publication projects, including brochures, newsletters, direct mail materials, handbooks, reports, briefings, forms, cover designs, posters, illustrations, logos, exhibits, signage, promotional materials, and online communications.

Serve as project manager for major agency publications projects, coordinating content development, data, design, review, and production from concept through final delivery. Key annual projects include the Higher Education Almanac (Almanac) and the Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS) Outcomes Reports.

Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex data and information for internal and external audiences. Understand the source, context, and intended use of data and how it supports the findings being presented. Develop charts, maps, infographics, and other data visualizations that accurately reflect the underlying information and clearly communicate findings to stakeholders and the public.

Serve as a member of the agency’s marketing team, contributing publication design and communications expertise to outreach, promotional, and public-information initiatives.

Develop content and recommend enhancements to the agency’s public web presence, ensuring information is current, accessible, accurate, and audience-focused.

Assist with data collection, review, reporting, and compliance activities by gathering, organizing, analyzing, and evaluating information to support agency programs and regulatory requirements. Ensure information is accurate, consistent, and aligned with applicable policies, procedures, laws, and reporting standards.

Maintain an organized library of production-ready files and source materials for print and electronic collateral, and ensure final publications are available in appropriate, accessible electronic formats for the agency’s internal SharePoint sites and external website.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For – Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

Adobe InDesign and professional publication design principles.

Graphic design principles, including typography, layout, visual hierarchy, color, composition, and branding.

Print and digital publication production, including file preparation, resolution, color modes, prepress, and accessible PDF output.

Data visualization principles, including appropriate use of cha